fawn1
n.
- a young deer in its first year.
- a light brown colour.
v.
(of a deer) produce young.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. faon, based on L. fetus ‘offspring’; cf. fetus.
fawn2
v.
give a servile display of exaggerated flattery or affection.
▸(of a dog) show slavish devotion, especially by rubbing against someone.
Derivative
- fawning adj.
- fawningly adv.
Etymology
OE fagnian ‘make or be glad’, of Gmc origin; rel. to fain.
